We've rounded up the best cameras on the market that deliver impressive image quality, reliable autofocus and intuitive handling ahead of Prime Day.

Sony announced a new version of its multi-function shooting grip and compact tripod that puts its wireless controls on a removable remote. Previous versions featured controls that could operate basic functions of an attached camera while holding onto the grip. The new GP-VPT3 makes them even more useful for solo content creators who can now operate a camera while standing in frame in front of it.Sony still sells the older version for $139.99, but the added functionality of the new GP-VPT3 Multi-Function Shooting Grip comes with a small price bump to $159.99. The bundled remote, which Sony calls the RMT-VP2 Wireless Remote Commander, is sold separately for $89.99 for those who don’t need the grip or don’t want to replace their existing one.The GP-VPT3 is compatible with Sony’s Alpha Series cameras and smaller vlogging cameras like last year’s ZV-E10 II. It can support up to 3.3 pounds, which means you can potentially use it with larger lenses too, as long as they don’t protrude too far off the camera and shift its center of balance.The wireless controls on Sony’s new GP-VPT3 multi-function grip can now be removed and used over 30 feet away. Image: SonyThe RMT-VP2 remote connects to Sony’s cameras over Bluetooth and has a range of about 33 feet. It includes a shutter button, a dedicated movie record button, a rocker that can be used to control zoom or focus, a button for turning autofocus on and off, and a C1 button that can be customized to control other functions.As with previous versions of the grip, the new GP-VPT3 connects to a camera using its tripod mount and has a flexible head allowing an attached device to tilt forwards and back and swivel 360 degrees. It can function as an ergonomic handle, putting the most important camera controls at finger’s reach when shooting one-handed. It also unfolds and becomes a stubby tripod, making it easier to set the camera up at a specific angle for timelapses, or for filming yourself.See More:

In a pretty barebones press release accompanied by a couple of pictures and detailed specs, Ricoh surprise announced that its long-awaited GR IV camera will launch this fall. The GR IV will adhere closely to the design of the GR III from 2018, and it will continue to use an autofocusing 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens and only a rear LCD for composing photos and videos, with no electronic or optical viewfinder available.The GR IV’s exterior looks very similar to the GR III / GR IIIx, with an oval-shaped shutter button, on / off switch and mode dial up top, and a smattering of rear controls to the right of its LCD. Its buttons look redesigned, removing the spinning dial from around its four-way directional pad. And its adjustment thumb wheel, labeled “ADJ,” looks like it may be a fully turning dial instead of just a back-and-forth toggle that moves left or right. (I may be wishcasting that last part, because I think the thumb toggle on the GR III is annoying and fiddly.)Image: RicohImage: RicohWhat’s known for certain based on its spec list is that the GR IV retains the built-in ND filter of the GR III, but it slightly ups the resolution of its large APS-C sensor from 24 megapixels to 26. It will also have a higher ISO range that reaches 204,800 at its maximum setting, and five-axis stabilization instead of three-axis stabilization. The GR IV’s lens may be the same focal length and maximum aperture as previous generations, but it’s a new seven-element design in a new arrangement utilizing an additional aspherical element that should yield better corrections. The upcoming camera will also have face and eye-detection for its autofocus tracking, and 53GB of usable built-in storage. Onboard storage is great, and it’s much more than the GR III’s 2GB, but the GR IV is also downsizing from full-size SD cards to microSD.While there isn’t a price yet, Ricoh has confirmed the GR IV is expected to release in the autumn of 2025, with a variant featuring a Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF) to come “after winter 2025.” The announcement also details that the GR III is scheduled to be discontinued in July, while the GR IIIx continues “for the time being.” The Ricoh GR cameras have carved out a niche among street photographers who value their super compact size and fairly affordable prices compared to a Fujifilm X100 or Leica Q. As cool and fun as I thought the just-announced Fujifilm X Half might be, the GR IV has instantly become my most anticipated camera of 2025.See More:

You walk into a tech expo expecting the usual suspects – glasses with cameras, wearables that whisper AI prompts in your ear, maybe even a pair of glasses that let you take and make calls hands-free. But tucked away at BEYOND Expo was a pair of spectacles that did something very simple but extremely revolutionary – it used algorithms to improve your vision. The ViXion 01S is arguably the world’s first ‘autofocus’ spectacles, designed to work for any sort of vision ailment that requires vision-corrective devices or spectacles. The product’s creator, initially working with visually impaired children, saw how frustrating it was for them to constantly switch between glasses for reading and distance. That pain point sparked a concept: what if eyewear could adapt the way eyes naturally do? None of that ‘let ChatGPT identify objects for me’, just a pair of spectacles that enable you to see better. Designer: Nendo for ViXion And that idea, or rather that phrase stopped me dead in my tracks – autofocus glasses. Possibly the world’s first. But not in the way a camera might autofocus on a face. These use a depth-perception sensor embedded subtly between the lenses, analyzing how far away you’re looking and adjusting the focus of the lenses in real time. The result is magic in the truest sense: your focus shifts from a book in your hand to a sign across the hall, and the glasses reshape their optics in under a second. Block the sensor, and the illusion becomes obvious – your vision blurs instantly, reminding you that these glasses are doing some serious computing… in split-second moments too. Forget bifocals or progressive lenses. The ViXion 01S behaves like multifocal glasses with a brain. It doesn’t rely on zones etched into the lens. Instead, it features dual variable lenses that morph their curvature to suit your focal length, from up-close at 10 inches to a clear view across a room. Whether you’re myopic, hyperopic, presbyopic, or dealing with the messier combinations like anisometropia, the ViXion adjusts. it goes all the way from a power of negative 10 to positive 10, covering possibly the entire gamut. For me, a guy who’s had specs since 1997, it felt incredible. I’ve got a power of nearly -6.5, something that’s a little too high for most tech devices. For example, I can’t vision-correct images in most VR headsets because they don’t go all the way as high as negative 6.5. The average human has not more than minus 2 or 3, or positive 1 or 2. Setup is easy enough. A short calibration lets you fine-tune your pupillary distance and correct vision strength – up to +10 or -10 diopters, via a simple switch on either side of the glasses. From there, it’s mostly hands-free. The battery runs over 15 hours on a full charge and tops up via USB-C, making it an all-day companion that recharges while you sleep. The aesthetic comes courtesy of Nendo, Japan’s minimalism maestros. Lightweight at just 55 grams, the frame wears its technology like a tailored suit – sharp, unobtrusive, refined. The fact that such an elegant design houses motorized lenses and a depth sensor almost feels like a flex. Awards followed, naturally. The ViXion 01S has been recognized at CES, IFA, and the Good Design Awards in Japan. Most recently, it clinched the Beyond Award this year, validating both its design and innovation chops. At $500, this isn’t an impulse buy, but consider the math. If you’re someone juggling reading glasses, computer glasses, and regular prescription lenses (not to mention the cumulative cost of eye exams and replacements), it starts to look a lot more reasonable. Especially when one device replaces all the rest.The post The World’s First ‘Autofocus’ Spectacles: Hands-on with the ViXion 01S at BEYOND Expo 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Fujifilm has a new pint-size addition to its X-series cameras coming in late June: the X Half. It’s an 18-megapixel “half-frame” camera with a portrait-oriented sensor and viewfinder and a fixed 32mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens.Despite being digital, the X Half is all about the vintage film aesthetic. The $849.99 camera is so dedicated to an analog-like lifestyle that it’s got an entire secondary screen just for picking one of its 13 film simulations, and it doesn’t shoot RAW photos at all — just JPGs, for a more what-you-see-is-what-you-get experience.Fujifilm’s definition of a half-frame is a bit different from the traditional one. Usually, a half-frame film camera like the Pentax 17 captures images measuring 18mm x 24mm (around half the size of full-frame / 35mm format). But the X Half uses a 1-inch-type sensor measuring 8.8mm x 13.3mm, which is about half the dimensions of the APS-C sensors in other Fujifilm cameras like the X100VI and X-T5. So I guess it counts on a technicality.The X Half will come in silver, gray, and black. Image: FujifilmThe rear screens are small, but they’re flush with the body. Image: FujifilmThere’s an LED flash for photos or video light duties, though the flash shoe is “cold.” It can only fire external flashes via optical triggering. Image: FujifilmBut like the Pentax 17 and other actual half-frame cameras, the X Half is all about taking casual, fun snapshots and bringing it with you everywhere. It weighs just 8.5 ounces / 240 grams and is small enough to fit in most small bags or even some oversized pockets. The X Half is close in size to a traditional disposable camera, but unlike a one-time-use film camera it has a proper glass autofocusing lens with aspherical corrections, and it even shoots some basic 1080 x 1440 video. (Though, in my briefing on the camera, Justin Stailey of Fujifilm North America described the lens as having “some character.” Which is often a colorful way of saying the lens isn’t the sharpest.)Once you take some shots via the X Half’s traditional optical viewfinder (that’s right, there’s no EVF or hybrid finder here) or its portrait-orientation 2.4-inch touchscreen, you can connect to a dedicated smartphone app (launching slightly after the camera) for extra functions. You can create your own two-up diptychs like a traditional half-frame camera, though here you can pick out the two side-by-side pictures, or you can opt for two videos or one picture and one video.Fujifilm has baked other analog-inspired features into the X Half app, like a Film Camera Mode that collects your next 36, 54, or 72 images and arranges them into a contact sheet. But the film nerdiness goes deeper than that, as the digital film strip will be branded with the film simulation you used. There’s even a faux film advance lever for making diptychs, and in Film Camera Mode it forces you to use it between taking each shot.The faux film advance lever. Image: FujifilmYou can lean further into the film kitsch by adding filters, like a light leak effect, expired film look, or a ’90s-era time and date stamp to the corner. Of course, since the camera does not shoot RAW, your chosen filter and film simulation are fully baked into the JPG file. You can’t undo any of them or change it later in post-processing like you’d normally be able to with a RAW.Fujifilm is certainly taking a unique approach with the X Half, trying to capture the interest of younger photo enthusiasts who in recent years have been drawn to the imperfections and vibes of vintage film and aging point-and-shoot digital cameras. I don’t know how many of them will be jumping at the opportunity to scratch that creative itch with an $850 camera compared to alternatives costing a fraction of that — like a $70 Camp Snap for digital or any 35mm disposable film camera for $10 to $20 — but even if it’s half the fun I had with the Pentax 17 it should prove a good time.See More:

Macworld Throughout its history, Apple has introduced many industry-changing technologies, some of which are still present in today’s devices, like MagSafe on MacBooks. However, some of the technologies introduced by Apple have been discontinued over time for different reasons. While most of these decisions are understandable, some technologies were ahead of their time, and I really miss them today. Let’s look back at some of Apple’s best ideas that were discontinued but ahead of their time and deserve to come back. 3D Touch Although 3D Touch was first introduced with the original Apple Watch as “Force Touch,” Apple later added it to the iPhone. I remember seeing the iPhone 6s introduction video in 2015 with Jony Ive explaining how 3D Touch worked, and it sounded impressive. Indeed, it was. Essentially, Apple put pressure sensors under the iPhone’s screen so that it could distinguish a soft press from a hard press with extreme precision. 3D Touch could be used in many ways, such as pressing harder on an icon to reveal more options or gently pressing a link on a webpage to see a preview of it. Game developers could also adopt 3D Touch for custom controls. You can still perform the 3D Touch action on today’s iPhones, but the result is different.Filipe Esposito The technology blew my mind, and I loved how precise it was. Not only that, but 3D Touch worked very well with the iPhone’s haptic feedback. It was so satisfying. But in practice, only a few apps added support for 3D Touch, and it was a very complex and expensive technology to build. Apple ended up discontinuing 3D Touch, starting with the iPhone XR, and replaced some of the actions with a simple long press on the screen. I still dream of future iPhones having 3D Touch back. Luckily, the trackpads on MacBooks still have Force Touch, so that’s something. AirPort AirPort was Apple’s lineup of wireless routers. First introduced in 1999, AirPort devices always had a futuristic design and made it easy for users to plug in an internet cable and have a Wi-Fi connection at home. While the first version looked like a spaceship, one of the most interesting versions of the AirPort was the model that looked like a giant MacBook charger that had an ethernet port on it. There was also the sleek and modern AirPort Extreme, which was essentially a mini-tower made of polished white plastic. That thing was beautiful. The AirPort line once had a tower form factor (left) and a design that was like a MacBook power adapter (left).Apple Apple’s AirPorts gained many cool features over time. For example, you could plug a USB stick, printer, or external hard drive into it, and all your Apple devices would have wireless access to it. It could also turn wired sound systems into AirPlay speakers. AirPort also resulted in another product called Time Capsule, which had an internal hard drive to wirelessly back up your Mac. Apple stopped selling AirPorts in 2018, and while rumors suggest that Apple has no plans to introduce another Wi-Fi router anytime soon, the company has reportedly been exploring the idea of making Apple TVs and HomePods work as Wi-Fi signal extenders. I really hope that’s true. iPod A lot has changed since Apple introduced the first iPod in 2001. iPod wasn’t just a good product, it also made anyone using it look cool. I remember upgrading from a Discman to an iPod, and I felt like I was in the future. “A thousand songs in your pocket,” as Apple’s slogan went. The third-generation iPod nano. Filipe Esposito There have been many different versions of the iPod over the years, including the iPod touch, but the most iconic ones will always be the iPods with a Click Wheel. There was a unique and satisfying feeling in turning your finger on that wheel to navigate the interface. It was unlike anything else at the time. And although the product was once a hit, it ended up losing the battle to smartphones. Apple knew this, which is why the company has always promoted the iPhone as “the best iPod ever.” Suddenly, our phones could also work as great iPods, so having a dedicated music player no longer made sense for most people. Apple stopped selling the iPod shuffle and iPod nano in 2017, while the iPod touch remained in the lineup until 2022. The company said at the time that the iPod still lives on in its other products, and that’s true. Thanks to the iPod, we now have the iPhone, AirPods, and the HomePod. While some people are nostalgic about the iPod and want it back, I really believe that it served its purpose and that there are better alternatives now, like using an Apple Watch with AirPods if you want to listen to music without having your phone nearby. Cover Flow How could I forget Cover Flow? The cool iPod interface that lets users explore their music library by its art covers? Interestingly, Cover Flow was created by a third-party developer, and the idea was so good that Apple acquired it to implement it in iTunes. The feature was eventually added to the iPod, iPhone, and even Finder on the Mac to browse files with large previews. I remember using the original iPod touch for the first time, rotating the screen with the Music app open, and seeing the Cover Flow interface. That was probably the moment I fell in love with that product. Cover Flow on an iPod touch.Filipe Esposito Cover Flow went away with iOS 7, when Apple completely redesigned the iPhone’s operating system in favor of a flat-design interface with less skeuomorphism. But Apple should bring Cover Flow back. It would be a good feature to reintroduce with iOS 19, as the company is rumored to be changing the user interface all over again. Front Row Similar to Cover Flow, Front Row was an interface that Apple created to use the Mac as a multimedia center. The app made it easier to navigate between the user’s music, videos, and photos. The experience of using Front Row was really cool, especially when the Mac was connected to a big monitor or TV. With Front Row, it was easy to imagine what a multimedia device (like a DVD player) from Apple would look like. Apple never launched a DVD player, but it did announce the first Apple TV in 2007–it had the same interface as Front Row, but now in a standalone device. Front Row was later removed from the Mac, probably because Apple wants you to buy an Apple TV instead. Still, I miss Front Row, especially now with Apple Music and Apple TV+. Front Row provided an easy-to-use interface for using your Mac as an entertainment center.Apple iSight camera Pretty much every Apple device today has a built-in front-facing camera, but there was a time when that wasn’t a thing, and Apple had to create its own webcam for the Mac. Called iSight, Apple’s webcam had a beautiful design for its time (which still looks modern). It was definitely something you’d look at and think, “that’s an Apple product.” The iSight had decent specs for a 2003 webcam, with a three-element lens with autofocus and 480p resolution at 30fps. It also had built-in microphones with noise cancellation and a cool way to cover the lens for better privacy. We now have 1080p and even 4K webcams built into our devices, but there’s still a market for external webcams with larger sensors and better microphones for those who videoconference every day. Although this would be very niche, I would like to see Apple reintroduce iSight with a large 4K sensor for vloggers. Unfortunately, this seems quite unlikely to happen since Apple itself has released a feature that lets users turn their iPhone into a webcam for their Mac or Apple TV. The iSight webcam design would look great in today’s Apple lineup.Christopher Phin Back to the future Apple is known for not reviving things from the past very often, even when it’s something its users really love. Still, we can dream of some of these things coming back in the future–just look at MagSafe, which was removed from MacBooks and then added back years later. And even though some of these technologies may not seem relevant these days, they certainly contributed to improving the Apple ecosystem at the time.

Choosing the right phone in 2025 involves more than just deciding between Android and iPhone. There are well-rounded options across various market segments, whether you are a budget-conscious buyer, a dedicated iPhone fan, or an Android enthusiast. We've structured our smartphone buying guide to reflect the most relevant categories for tech enthusiasts, with clear-cut recommendations if you're looking for top-tier performance, reliable midrange versatility, or affordable essentials. Additionally, upgrade cycles vary among consumers – some prefer to upgrade every year to keep up with the latest technology, while others may opt for longer intervals, prioritizing durability and value over cutting-edge features. Explore our top picks below to find the phone that best fits your needs. The Best Value Phones Google Pixel 9a | OnePlus 13R | iPhone 16e In numbers Price: $499 Google guarantees seven years of OS upgrades and security patches for its Pixel phones. As the brain behind Android, Google's updates are as prompt as Apple's iOS patches. The Google Pixel 9a has been hailed for being almost as good as the Pixel 9 at $300 less, but in reality the difference is often just $100. In this case, it helps to know what the other differences are. The 6.3-inch, 1080p, 120Hz display is almost identical, offering the same 20:9 aspect ratio. The Pixel 9a's battery is slightly bigger at a typical 5,100mAh versus 4,700mAh, but the Pixel 9 offers wireless charging that's twice as fast, and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. The Pixel 9a's 48MP main camera (taking 12MP photos) sounds similar to the Pixel 9's 50MP, but the pixels are significantly smaller and capture less light. For the same reason, the Pixel 9a's 13MP front camera isn't better than the Pixel 9's 10.5MP, especially as it doesn't offer auto-focus. However, the biggest difference is the ultrawide camera, where the Pixel 9 uses a 48MP sensor to capture 12MP photos, and the Pixel 9a offers a much smaller 13MP sensor. Both phones include the Tensor G4 processor and 256GB of storage, but the Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM rather than just 8GB, which allows for two extra AI features: Pixel Screenshots scans your screen captures for information you may need later, and Call Notes can transcribe and summarize your phone conversations. The Pixel 9 also supports Wi-Fi 7, and G5 mmWave. What makes the Pixel line stand out is the editing tools offered by the Tensor SoC. Audio Magic Eraser is useful for removing background noise from videos. Magic Editor allows to move, resize and remove people and objects in photos. 'Best Take' allows you to combine faces from different times into the same photo – a feature that was actually introduced by BlackBerry in 2013. Add Me does the same, but with people's entire body. Auto Frame can not only crop photos, but also expand them using AI, and Reimagine completely replaces the photo's background. All of this may sound unethical, but the era of photos being more reliable than drawings is over anyway. OnePlus 13R If you prefer raw horsepower and a bigger display over optimized software and AI photo features, then the OnePlus 13R is a good alternative. For $600 you get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 6.8-inch display features a non-standard width of 1264p and a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone offers a large 6,000mAh battery and exceptional 80W wired charging (55W with the standard, included charger). Four years of OS updates and six years of security updates are long enough at this price point. The main camera can save 50MP photos, but those can look under-exposed compared to the default 12.5MP. The same is true for the telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The selfie camera takes 16MP photos. The 8MP ultrawide lens is functional, but nothing more. Other than that, the phone's main drawbacks are mediocre water resistance and lack of mmWave support. iPhone 16e In our previous phone buying guides, we'd recommend two-year-old iPhone models over the outdated iPhone SE as the cheapest option for most Apple fans. In 2025, Apple made things simpler, discontinuing both in favor of the iPhone 16e. The 16e is $200 cheaper than the iPhone 16 with the same storage (starting at 128GB), but how does it compare? It has the same display as the iPhone 14, with a bigger notch that's attached to the top of the 6.1-inch screen. The ring/silent switch has been replaced with the programmable Action button. The iPhone 16e has the same A18 processor with 8GB of RAM and Apple Intelligence support, but with four active graphics units instead of five. The most visible difference is the lack of the ultrawide lens. Other than that, it doesn't offer mmWave, and the iPhone 16e supports Qi wireless charging rather than the faster MagSafe. Back to top ▵ Best Phones for Most People iPhone 16 | OnePlus 13 | More Alternatives In numbers Price: $799 The iPhone 16 offers a newer and brighter display than the iPhone 16e. The notch is smaller and integrated into the "dynamic island," which is useful to display key information from apps running in the background. As an overall package, it delivers the full iPhone experience with a solid balance of well-built hardware and polished software features, except for the 60Hz screen, which is at a disadvantage compared to competing Android handsets in the same price range and even cheaper ones. With the touch-sensitive Camera Control button, you can finally focus on your subject while taking a photo. The main camera can capture 48MP images but defaults to 24MP for better dynamic range and faster shutter speed. The ultrawide lens offers 0.5x optical zoom and, like the front camera, captures 12MP photos. If you want a larger screen and battery, you can get the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus for an extra $100. OnePlus 13 With improvements across the board, the OnePlus 13 makes it hard to justify buying more expensive Android phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor rivals the Apple A18 in single-core performance, and beats it in multi-core. The OnePlus 13 has an IP68/IP69 rating, meaning it's resistant not only to immersion but also to high-temperature water jets – making it safe to use even if you work at a car wash. With a 6,000mAh battery, the OnePlus 13 provides great battery life despite the 1440p, 6.8-inch display. Unlike the OnePlus 13R, it's a dual-cell battery, so it will charge faster with the same charger. The main, ultrawide and telephoto (with 3x zoom) cameras all provide a 50MP resolution. The selfie camera shoots at 32MP, but its fixed focus makes it less optimal for usage with a selfie stick. The OnePlus 13 starts at $899 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and for another $100 you can increase that to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Many phones are cheaper, but none of them offer similar hardware specifications. Samsung Galaxy S25 At this point, the Samsung Galaxy S has remained mostly the same on the outside for several years, while competitors from OnePlus and Google have kept improving. So why do we recommend the Galaxy S25 for some? Because it's the only Android phone that's as powerful as the OnePlus 13 and as compact as the Pixel 9 with a 6.2-inch display. With the compact size comes a smaller 4,000mAh battery, but the smaller, 1080p display somewhat makes up for that in battery life. The 50MP main camera (saving 12MP photos by default) remains, and the rest of the setup is well-rounded but basic, with 12MP front and ultrawide lenses, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 starts at $800 (although frequent discounts bring the price closer to $700) with 128GB of storage, and to match the OnePlus 13's 256GB you'll need to add $60. Samsung's advantage over OnePlus is the promise of seven years of OS and security updates. For those who favor larger screens, the Galaxy S25+ offers a 6.7-inch display (with a higher 1440p resolution), a bigger battery to compensate, and 45W wired charging compared to the base model's 25W. Additionally, it features ultra-wide band (UWB) support, ideal for pinpointing Bluetooth-linked items such as Galaxy SmartTags. The Galaxy S25+ starts at $1,000 (though it's often available for ~$850), providing 256GB of base storage, so if you were planning to get that amount anyway, it's only $140 more expensive than the S24. On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 Ultra adds too little for too much money, especially now that the S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth functionality. To fold, or not to fold? Foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, might seem tempting. However, their design restricts battery and camera configurations. With a prev-gen SoC and a noticeable crease when unfolded, the Flip 6's $1,100 price point (often discounted to $900) is higher the Galaxy S25+, and it's more scratch-prone and less dust-resistant. If you really need the unique form factor, you should wait for the reviews of the Motorola Razr (2025), named after the legendary Razr V3 and promising a higher-quality external display that can fully replace the main one more often. Otherwise, you should probably look elsewhere. Back to top ▵ Best Budget Phones Samsung Galaxy A16 and A26 In numbers Price: $176 on Amazon If you're in the market for an affordable $200 device that can handle the tasks most users demand from their phones – albeit not always as proficiently – the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a compelling option. Six years of Android and security updates are more than you are going to get anywhere else for this price. The 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display offers great contrast, and it also runs at 90Hz. Additionally, the phone supports NFC for contactless payments. The Galaxy A16 features a 13MP front-facing camera, and on the rear three cameras: a 50MP primary lens, along with a 5MP ultrawide camera and a 2MP macro sensor. The phone is available with 4GB, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, which can be expanded with microSD. Thanks to the 5,000mAh battery, the phone features good battery life, and it also supports 25W charging. On the other hand, the mono speaker is as basic as you can imagine. For $100 more, the Galaxy A26 features Gorilla Glass on the front and back, IP67 dust/water resistance, an always-on 120Hz display and an upgraded 8MP ultrawide camera. Motorola Moto G Power (2024 model) If you replace your phone often, you can check out the Motorola Moto G Power. Just make sure you are getting the 2024 version, as the more expensive 2025 model has a slower CPU. The older phone won't receive OS updates beyond Android 15, but it will get security updates until 2027. The LCD display runs at 120Hz. The main and ultrawide cameras are similar to the Galaxy A26's, and the 16MP front camera is equivalent with slightly smaller pixels. The differentiating features are wireless charging, stereo speakers and a headphone jack. The main problem is the amount of bloatware that Lenovo installs on the phone. Back to top ▵ Best of the Best Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max In numbers Price: $1,199 The iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a 6.9-inch OLED display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The always-on display provides users with glanceable information without waking the device. The camera system includes a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens with autofocus for improved macro photography, and a 12MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. The upgraded ultrawide sensor delivers enhanced detail and macro capabilities. Video recording is also enhanced with support for 4K at 120 frames per second, and the inclusion of four studio-quality microphones improves audio capture. The iPhone Pro line differentiates itself with the A18 Pro SoC (with six active graphical units and double the cache), and supporting USB 3.1 (or "3.2 gen 2") speeds via USB-C. On paper, Apple's top-tier smartphone may appear to offer similar features to those found in mainstream products from other companies. However, thanks to iOS and its finely-tuned apps, its performance is notably superior. The hardware is also top notch and more carefully built than most, using titanium instead of aluminum. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the only model that's not available with 128GB of storage. Starting at $1,200 with 256GB, it is steep, especially when contrasted with a $700 iPhone 16e with the same 256GB. If it plays any kind of factor in your equation, a well-preserved iPhone Pro Max can typically be traded in or sold for around $400 – $500 after two years. If you're inclined towards a more compact device, the regular iPhone 16 Pro will save you $100 though the Max is where its at for the most pixels and biggest battery. Back to top ▵ The Best ePaper Phone Bigme HiBreak Pro | Mudita Kompakt In numbers Price: $439 Until recently, if you wanted to remain available on a camping trip lasting several days, your main option was an outdated and limited feature phone. Now, you can also opt for a phone with an efficient monochrome e-paper display. These phones remain perfectly usable in direct sunlight, and utilize front light to work in the dark. Except for the 21Hz display, the Bigme HiBreak Pro is a fully modern smartphone, with Android 14 and 5G support. The 6.1-inch, 824p display may not be ideal for watching video, but for reading it's arguably better than any other. Combined with a 4,500mAh battery, it's built to last for days between charges. While it's not designed for media consumption, the HiBreak Pro can still shoot color photos and videos with its 20MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. For the price, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is solid. Unusually, it includes an infrared sensor, so it can double as a remote control. The main thing missing is an official IP rating. Mudita Kompakt If you don't want a full-featured smartphone, the Mudita Kompakt offers a de-Googled version of Android, with 13 apps optimized for its monochrome display (yes, including chess). It doesn't support 5G and lacks a front-facing camera to accompany the 8MP one on the back. The smaller 4.3-inch, 480p screen helps balance out the modest 3,300mAh battery. Due to its custom software, the Kompakt costs nearly as much as the HiBreak Pro. It only includes 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage but does offer a microSD card slot and a headphone jack. If you're buying a phone because you want just a phone, it may be your best option. Back to top ▵ Masthead credit: Amanz